i have one for my m98 and most of the rummors have a foundation in fact but are usualy blown out of proportion.. yes it dose increase range, the accuracy is ok, but this is because you have to use a smaller bore paint to get the best effect out of the barrel. the reason why people say the short range accuracy is crap is the balls actualy drop a bit when they come out of the barrel and then they rise back to normal. of course your going to use a bit more air since the balls dont fit perfecly in the barrels but its not so bad you can say it has hoible efficency. personaly i wasnt very happy with the flatline but the barrel just wasnt practical for my style of play. if you like to stay back and shoot its a good investment.